Page 68 of Everything Has Changed
I crossed my ankle over my knee, leaning back to watch his reaction. Though it’s not as enjoyable as I was hoping when all he does is sigh, rubbing his brow ridge with pinched fingers.
“Don’t start with me today, Logan.”
I narrow my eyes. His tone seems… down. Not that I would ever really describe the man as up, but the neutral tone he usually gravitates towards, that holds a hint of disappointment mainly for me, isn’t what I hear.
“What’s going on?”
He tosses the paper-clipped pages at me. “Triton made some amendments to the agreement. They’re not impossible, but they are going to make the transition a little harder.”
Grabbing the paper off the table, I quickly skimmed the updated points. Flipping through each one, I will my fingers not to tremble as the red ink seeps into me like lead.
“Impossible?” I nearly screech as I look back up at my father. It’s the first time since I’ve been back that I’ve noticed the deep circles under his eyes. His mask is falling, and for good reason, as I mull over what is being asked. “They want to ban certain businesses from staying open within town limits. They can’t do this.”
“They can, and they will.”
“Fuck that.” I toss the papers back on his desk. They slide until they meet his arm leaning against the edge of his desk. “One of the foundations of this entire deal was that the heart of Willow Grove wouldn’t be touched. That’s not to say they wouldn’t struggle with the new businesses coming in, but you would give them a chance. This is a death sentence for their livelihoods.”
“Don’t be so dramatic. You sound like your mother.”
“I sure hope I do, because that means at least someone else in this family has morals aside from me.” I point toward the agreement. “This means the pharmacy will have to close because they also have a deal with QuikAid. Will that also extend to the grocer and the boutiques? Because, they have deals that include those specialities, too.”
He stares as if he’s waiting for me to catch on to one more thing. Waiting for something to hit. And it quickly does as the air in mylungs suddenly feels trapped. My expression must change with the revelation because his brow quirks.
He reaches out and spins the coffee cup toward me so I can see the logo for The Willow Whisk.
“You fucking bastard.” Pieces start to click for me. “You knew this was a possibility.”
“A good businessman and politician thinks of every possibility and prepares for the worst. This is the worst, but again, it’s not the end. This deal is still too good to pass up.”
“For you, maybe.” I jump from my seat. A couple of strides, and I’m standing before the windows overlooking Willow Grove. I watch for a moment as I see people walking down the sidewalk. Store owners chat with patrons in doorways. I turn to my father, gesturing toward the people below. “But for those people out there, the ones that are keeping this town alive, they are going to be hurt.”
I pace the length of the office, a nervous energy taking root in my core and making my extremities tingle with anxiety.
“Logan,” his voice is deep, leaving no room for argument. “I’m doing this for us.”
“No, daddy dearest, you’re doing this for you. It’s awfully convenient that you set this up at the same time you are suddenly ready to retire. So, you what? Build this scheme, set it in motion, then leave the fallout for me?”
“You know that’s not the case. We all agreed that you are the better one to be the face of the changes. The town will follow you much easier than they will me.”
“For good reason,” I mutter.
“This is for the good of us all, Logan. This town can do so much more, and this resort will bring them there. Now, I need you to get over your hang-ups and get on board. The faster you comply, the easierthis will be for everyone. But make no mistake, boy, I will take this the hard way if you want me to. Starting with that little cafe and that girl you seem so enamored with.”
My brows fly up into my hair line. Releasing a low whistle, I hang my head low. “Threatening innocent people now, are ya, Pops?”
“You’re not fooling anyone, Logan. Not only have I seen the way you look at that girl, but other people have, too. Not so innocent in my eyes when they are keeping you from your highest potential.”
I scratch my jaw. The prick of my stubble gives enough pain under my fingers to keep the anger bubbling up from lashing out. “Let me guess, that’s Camila and her family.”
“The Antonios are wonderful partners to have. Don’t forget that.”
“So, buy them a new boat for their tropical getaways funded by all the innocent people they have wrung dry in court like a normal corrupt politician. You don’t sell off your only son like a pig for slaughter.”
He heaves a heavy sigh. “Here we go with the dramatics again. This is another reason why I didn’t want you running off to the city. It put too many thoughts in your head. But you had to have your little temper tantrum.”
“You’re right. The city did give me a lot of new thoughts. Ones just for myself, but mostly for others. Including a little thing called empathy. Unfortunately, it’s not something you can buy, so I guess the concept is lost on you.”
The burning heat of the glare he has aimed in my direction almost makes me nervous. It almost brings forth the feelings of being a child and doing something he disagreed with, knowing his wrath would follow.
